Attached is the updated table ranking asset class returns over the last 15 years which shows last year’s returns led by small cap stocks with commodities posting the largest loss. Often, instead of spreading risk and investing for the long term, investors look at last year’s big performers and want to move significant portions of their portfolio to those asset classes. This chart, however, is not a road map of where to invest for 2014 but an illustration on the importance of allocating risk across asset classes.

Working in the industry for over 20 years, I have often seen one common mistake made by investors; chasing last year’s hot dot. Very seldom have I seen someone recommend buying an asset class when it’s down significantly or after the media has pounded the table about poor results. All too often the euphoria of […]

Barron's Top 1,000 and Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of advisors and financial services firms. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. Investment performance isn't an explicit component.

Financial Times Top 400 Advisors: Rankings are based on data provided by Investment firms, Factors include assets under management, experience, industry certifications and compliance record. Investment performance and financial advisor productions are not explicit components.Registered Rep America's Top 100 Independent B/D Advisors Rankings based on assets under management for Independent broker/dealer reps only. The ranking is not indicative of past or future investment performance.

Award received by Stephen Thomas. Rankings are based on data provided by over 4,000 of the nation's most productive advisors. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. Investment performance isn't an explicit component.

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Barron's Top 1,000 and Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of advisors and financial services firms. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. Investment performance isn't an explicit component.

Financial Times Top 400 Advisors: Rankings are based on data provided by Investment firms, Factors include assets under management, experience, industry certifications and compliance record. Investment performance and financial advisor productions are not explicit components.Registered Rep America's Top 100 Independent B/D Advisors Rankings based on assets under management for Independent broker/dealer reps only. The ranking is not indicative of past or future investment performance.

Award received by Stephen Thomas. Rankings are based on data provided by over 4,000 of the nation's most productive advisors. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. Investment performance isn't an explicit component.

A note about social media: Opinions, comments and actions taken on Social Media are those of the third party and do not necessarily reflect the views of the creator of this profile or of the firm. Social Media is intended for U.S. residents only.